I had the previous year's version and loved it except for the drawcord. When the new version went on sale this summer I bought it. I found everything an improvement except the pockets. I can't tell you how may times my water bottle has fallen out. I can put small things in the those outer pockets but it really needs a deeper outside water pocket with some sort of closure. If it weren't for the pockets I'd give this bag five stars.

Despite the bottle pocket issue, this is still my go-to bag. I've used it for all day hikes, airplane carry-on bag, organizer bag/stuff sack, shopping at the farmer's market. I'm so use to it that I can't stand the bulkier daypacks with the thicker padding.

As a traveling sales rep. I wanted a packable backpack to take with me when traveling. I use the pack for walking or biking when I'm exploring the cities visiting for business. This backpack fits nicely in my suitcase or laptop bag and when I'm ready to use it unpacks from itself and is ready to go. I carry my water, a thin pullover, camera, a small rain poncho, and couple of clif bars with me and it works great. However, the pack needs better water bottle pockets that are taller and more secure. It could also use an additional zippered pouch on the pack for storing maps or something small. The drawstring closure is terrible and it should be improved on or replaced with a zipper. Overall it works for what I need when I travel.

I used this as a bag to take on side hikes during my Philmont Scout Ranch 11 day trek. It easily carries four liters of water (and yes, two, 32 oz. Nalgenes do, in fact, fit in the side water bottle mesh pouches). I also carried a fleece, frogg-togg type rain suit, and some small electronics (camera, mini tripod, GPS, mini first-aid kit, snack). This bag carried very comfortably every time. While it doesn't state that it's water-proof, it did keep most of the rain water out. The only thing I might suggest is to waterproof it yourself, if you want it to keep your contents dry.

Got this for Christmas but just used it for the first time on vacation. Stored it away in my luggage for the trip down to the Bahamas, but then used it on a couple of excursions. Was impressed at how comfortably it carried my gear, how strong it was, and how light. I have an expensive day pack I purchased a couple of years ago, but I would consider carrying this one instead on some trips because of it's light weight. I've been hiking for 45 years and strongly recommend this to any traveler.

I bought this for longer trips in the Adirondacks when i want to summit with just the extras needed, and not have to carry my full pack. This will carry all the extras!Just got back from a road trip to California with my daughter, where I used it to explore cities and national monuments. fits extra layers, snacks, a not quite dslr camera, and 2 Nalgene bottles in the outside pockets! This puppy's my new daypack for hiking!The padding on the shoulders is enough for what you'd carry in it. if you can stuff it, it'll fit!

This is nomally stuffed in my side bag of my motorcycle where I also keep raingear.Its perfect for that last min trip to the store on the way home.I've also taken it to several fairs, carnvials when you may need a bag for purchases or winnings, I use a caribiner and clip it on my belt.Its a great "do just about anything" daypack.Its not a serious hiking daypack but it would get by if it needed to.The material is actually pretty water resistant too as I've put a number of electronics in it while on the bike and have never had anything even get damp while caught in the rain.I just lost it this past weekend so I'm buying another one, for the price and its ability, it can't be beat!!!Good job EMS, one more piece of go to gear

Used this pack as a daypack for a recent backpacking trip through the Swiss Alps. We were staying at mountain huts with a large backpacking backpack, so this daypack was perfect for short day hikes after dropping off the main backpack at the huts in the morning. It packs into it's top zippered compartment easily and the sternum strap provides some stability for the pack. The bladder hook allows you to secure a water bladder inside which also helps keep the pack stable on your back. The side pockets work well for small items but may have some trouble keeping in larger water bottles. The shoulder straps were light but comfortable. I was easily able to carry a fleece, rain jacket, snacks, camera, and 3L water bladder with room to spare. We had some light rain on one hike and nothing seemed to get very wet inside. I assume it would not do so well with a heavy rain, but I haven't tested this yet. I've also used it traveling around the city to carry jackets, food, stuff I buy, etc.

I love this pack! I have used it in summer time for backpacking. Sure my BPW was <6lbs, but it worked great! Love the water bottle pockets for 20oz Gatorade bottles and the lid pocket. Just wish it had a shovit pocket. Makes for a wonderful travel pack as well! Go for it!!

I got this day pack because I wanted something small that I could cram into my large backpack and use for short day-trips on a larger hiking/camping excursion. I have a go-to day backpack but it's a space-waster when it comes to packing for a several day trip. This little bag serves exactly the purpose I was looking for. It collapses into a really small ball of nylon and then its sort of amazing how much it actually holds when you unfold it, pack it, and put it on. More than enough space for water, food, a camera, a journal, an extra layer, and whatever it is you'd want to toss in for a day hike. I would not recommend overpacking the top compartment as it becomes a pain to latch and unlatch the bag. Also, water bottles will fall out of the side straps if you bend down for whatever reason, so I don't use them. Would also have liked it to be more weather-proof, but I guess that would have resulted in a much higher price-point. Still, it's small enough that you can easily keep it under a rain jacket or just toss a pack cover on if need-be.